Structured Literacy Intervention for Students With Dyslexia: Focus on Growing Morphological Skills

2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (2) ◽  
pp. 336-344 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen A. Fallon ◽  
Lauren A. Katz

Purpose Structured literacy (SL) is an umbrella term used by the International Dyslexia Association that refers to evidence-based instructional approaches that incorporate all aspects of spoken language into the teaching of reading, spelling, and writing ( International Dyslexia Association, 2016 ). SL has gained prominence in the field of reading but is less familiar to speech-language pathologists. This tutorial seeks to describe SL with specific attention to the morphological component. Using current research literature combined with descriptions of specific therapeutic practices, this tutorial offers research-informed, clinical strategies for facilitating the development of morphological skills in students with spoken and written language impairments including dyslexia. Method In this tutorial, the authors focus on the research literature and clinical applications related to the topics of (a) spoken and written language impairments, including dyslexia; (b) SL intervention; (c) intervention in the areas of morphological awareness and analysis; and (d) the promotion of academic success in students who struggle with language and literacy. Conclusions SL is a term used to unify and describe evidence-based principles and components that should be included in all effective reading and writing instructions. Among other linguistic skills, morphology holds a prominent place in SL. It is critical that speech-language pathologists become familiar with SL and the evidence-based practices for growing these students' morphological awareness skills in order to promote language and literacy success.

2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (3) ◽  
pp. 509-513
Author(s):  
Ashley Bourque Meaux ◽  
Julie A. Wolter ◽  
Ginger G. Collins

Purpose This article introduces the Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools Forum: Morphological Awareness as a Key Factor in Language-Literacy Success for Academic Achievement. The goal of this forum is to relate the influence morphological awareness (MA) has on overall language and literacy development with morphology acting as the “binding agent” between orthography, phonology, and semantics ( Perfetti, 2007 ) in assessment and intervention for school-aged children. Method This introduction provides a foundation for MA development and explores the influence MA has over the course of school-aged language and literacy development. Through summaries of the 11 articles in this forum, school-based speech-language pathologists will be able to convey the importance of MA to promote successful educational outcomes for kindergarten to adolescent students. The forum explores researcher-developed assessments used to help identify MA skill level in first- through eighth-grade students at risk for literacy failure to support instructional needs. The forum also provides school-based speech-language pathologists with details to design and implement MA interventions to support academic success for school-aged students with varying speech-language needs (e.g., dual language emersion, vocabulary development, reading comprehension) using various service delivery models (e.g., small group, classroom-based, intensive summer camps). Conclusion MA is effective in facilitating language and literacy development and as such can be an ideally focused on using multilinguistic approaches for assessment and intervention. The articles in this issue highlight the importance in assessment measures and intervention approaches that focus on students' MA to improve overall academic success in children of all ages and abilities.


2010 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 85-92
Author(s):  
Jeannene M. Ward-Lonergan

Speech-language pathologists play a critical role in supporting literacy development in adolescents with Language Impairments through both direct therapeutic intervention and collaboration with other related professionals in school settings. The purpose of this article is to present numerous curriculum-based, language intervention goals and specific techniques that are designed to facilitate the development of literacy skills in these students in the areas of morphology/syntax, semantics, pragmatics/discourse, and vocational language.


2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (16) ◽  
pp. 91-99 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lyndsey Zurawski ◽  
Nicole Mancini

This manuscript will focus on the value of a growth mindset, the belief that our abilities are not static, rather, those abilities can be developed upon and improved while utilizing hard work, dedication, and effort. In this article, we describe the value of a growth mindset for speech-language pathologists in schools who support language and literacy skills of students with disabilities and strive to increase academic success in the general education classroom. Speech-language pathologists in a school-based setting can use the principles of growth mindset, putting in into practice for themselves and to foster growth mindset within their students. We present recommendations and examples of implementing a growth mindset during the school year. Additionally, resources are provided for further understanding of growth mindset and the research behind growth mindset principles.


2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (3) ◽  
pp. 572-588 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keisey Fumero ◽  
Sana Tibi

Purpose This clinical focus article will highlight the importance and role of morphological awareness (MA) across orthographies, in particular, the role it plays in reading development, specifically with bilingual populations. MA supports reading acquisition and development beyond other predictors of reading, such as phonological awareness, orthographic knowledge, and rapid automatic naming to name a few. While MA aids in the development of decoding fluency, vocabulary development, and reading comprehension, explicit morphological instruction does not occur regularly in reading intervention. For English learners (ELs), instruction should focus on improving MA, semantic awareness, and orthographic processing, which in turn would exert a positive influence on reading accuracy, fluency, and comprehension. This clinical focus article aims to provide speech-language pathologists with applicable tasks to measure MA and strategies to guide explicit morphological instruction. Method The role of MA in reading development will be described with regard to its importance beyond other predictors and the role it plays in theoretical models of reading development. Then, MA will be described across orthographies, with a focus on cross-linguistic influences. Finally, measurement tasks will be described, and clinical implications will be discussed in terms of using different strategies and tools to explicitly address MA. Conclusion Clinical implications of morphological instruction should be further explored and incorporated in current practices. With regard to ELs, it is important that we provide effective and specific instruction to better bridge the academic achievement gaps and increase overall language and literacy skills. Morphological instruction should be explicit and provided in conjunction with other domains of language. Equally important is leveraging families of ELs to promote their children's oral language and literacy in their first language.


1997 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 57-65 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa A. Wood ◽  
Joan L. Rankin ◽  
David R. Beukelman

Word prompt programs are computer software programs or program features that are used in addition to basic word processing. These programs provide word lists from which a user selects a desired word and inserts it into a line of text. This software is used to support individuals with severe speech, physical, and learning disabilities. This tutorial describes the features of a variety of word prompt programs and reviews the current literature on the use of these programs by people with oral and written language needs. In addition, a matrix that identifies the features contained in eight sample word prompt programs is provided. The descriptions of features and the matrix are designed to assist speech-language pathologists and teachers in evaluating and selecting word prompt programs to support their clients' oral and written communication.


2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 688-704
Author(s):  
Katrina Fulcher-Rood ◽  
Anny Castilla-Earls ◽  
Jeff Higginbotham

Purpose The current investigation is a follow-up from a previous study examining child language diagnostic decision making in school-based speech-language pathologists (SLPs). The purpose of this study was to examine the SLPs' perspectives regarding the use of evidence-based practice (EBP) in their clinical work. Method Semistructured phone interviews were conducted with 25 school-based SLPs who previously participated in an earlier study by Fulcher-Rood et al. 2018). SLPs were asked questions regarding their definition of EBP, the value of research evidence, contexts in which they implement scientific literature in clinical practice, and the barriers to implementing EBP. Results SLPs' definitions of EBP differed from current definitions, in that SLPs only included the use of research findings. SLPs seem to discuss EBP as it relates to treatment and not assessment. Reported barriers to EBP implementation were insufficient time, limited funding, and restrictions from their employment setting. SLPs found it difficult to translate research findings to clinical practice. SLPs implemented external research evidence when they did not have enough clinical expertise regarding a specific client or when they needed scientific evidence to support a strategy they used. Conclusions SLPs appear to use EBP for specific reasons and not for every clinical decision they make. In addition, SLPs rely on EBP for treatment decisions and not for assessment decisions. Educational systems potentially present other challenges that need to be considered for EBP implementation. Considerations for implementation science and the research-to-practice gap are discussed.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 1026-1038
Author(s):  
Sandra Levey ◽  
Li-Rong Lilly Cheng ◽  
Diana Almodovar

Purpose The purpose of this review article is to present certain linguistic domains to consider in the assessment of children learning a new language. Speech-language pathologists frequently face difficulty when determining if a bilingual or multilingual child possesses a true speech or language disorder. Given the increased number of new language learners across the world, clinicians must understand differences versus disorders to prevent underidentification or overidentification of a disorder. Conclusions Early identification of a true disorder has been shown to prevent language and literacy difficulties, given that children are able to achieve grade-level reading skills when given intervention. Clinical knowledge and skills are strongly required so that children receive evidence-based assessment to support their academic development. Learning Goal Readers will gain an understanding of the factors that support evidence-based assessment of bilingual and multilingual language learners.


2008 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 66-70
Author(s):  
Jennifer Walz Garrett

Abstract School-based speech-language pathologists assess students to establish eligibility, collect baselines for treatment goals, determine progress during intervention and verify generalization of skills. Selecting appropriate assessment tools and methods can be challenging due to time constraints, agency regulations, and availability of tests. This article will describe legal considerations, types of assessments, and the factors involved with the selection and use of various assessment procedures and tools. In addition, speech-language pathologists will learn to calculate words correct per minute (WCPM) and perform miscue analysis, which can provide additional language and literacy information about a child's educational needs.


2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Helena Oosthuizen ◽  
Daleen Klop ◽  
Monique Visser

Speech-language therapists (SLTs) in South Africa are increasingly considering alternative models of service delivery to children at risk for language and literacy development delays. A transprofessional model of collaboration allows SLTs and teachers to share responsibility for primary prevention of literacy difficulties. Previous research has identified several challenges with regard to effective collaboration between qualified professionals, indicating that specific opportunities need to be created for professionals to ‘cross over disciplinary lines’ to gain more insight into a profession other than their own. Student training presents a valuable opportunity for role-exchange between pre-professional SLTs and teachers. The article describes the experiences of teachers, undergraduate SLT students and tutors with regard to transdisciplinary collaboration in the foundation-phase classroom, according to the ‘embedded-explicit’ model. The authors argue that a more in-depth understanding of the different role-players’ perceptions of transdisciplinary collaboration will contribute to enhanced collaboration between SLTs and teachers.


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